Once again, the UK manufacturing sector shows its strength and tenacity as growth rates improve against the odds / Picture: Getty/iStock

The good news…

26 months of growth

The sector has now been in growth mode for over two years, with results reaching above the all-important 50.0 growth figure for 26 months.

New business is back

New business is on the up again, along with increasing export business, which fell noticeably last month.

Output is up

Output has increased in answer to steady inflows of new work, combined with improved efforts to clear backlogs.

Production at fastest pace for four months

Production has risen for more than two years in a row, with 26 solid months of growth. That rate of growth has increased at the fastest pace for four months.

Exports increase

New business is coming from both domestic and international markets, with export orders improving on August’s worrying slip.

Business conditions positive

Business conditions have improved across the board, with growth in the consumer, investment and intermediate goods sectors.

Optimism improves

More than half of manufacturers surveyed anticipate increasing production in the coming months, as they look to improvements in capacity, new equipment, new products, improving sales, and overall organic growth for their business.

David Johnson, founding director at Halo Financial said: “It’s encouraging to see confidence restored after a blip in August. The UK manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate its resilience and is clearly taking the necessary steps to shore up business for the year ahead, and beyond. That pragmatism is a great base upon which to approach the undoubtedly challenging times in the year ahead.”

Atul Kariya, manufacturing lead and partner at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, added: “It’s also a good sign for the wider economy, particularly when viewed alongside other industry figures we have seen recently,”

Things to watch…

Price pressures also on the up

However, both input and output pricing pressures have increased. Notably, prices have risen across energy and raw materials, including electronic components, food, plastic, metal, timber and resins. This has also widened lead times.

Brexit is biting

Brexit was outlined as a concern by several manufacturers in the latest index, as uncertainty about the future of the UK’s trading relationships continues. Atul Kariya observed, “Around 30% of my clients have raised Brexit as their most pressing business concern in the current market. Their number one objectives remain as growing revenue and improving productivity, so doing everything we can to help navigate the economic and political uncertainty and engender growth is a significant priority from an advisory perspective. Being able to adapt to market change and plan for the unknown is no mean feat.”

Exchange rates exasperating the industry

Manufacturers also raised concerns about exchange rate volatility – the uncertainty of markets and the ever-changing exchange rates are making forecasting more difficult. Kariya continues, “Around 50% of our clients have raised concerns about foreign exchange risk, but many firms aren’t aware of the steps that can be taken to mitigate this risk and protect profits, particularly in a volatile marketplace.”

David Johnson concluded: “There really has never been a more critical time to review and enhance your currency risk management strategy. By integrating a carefully aligned currency strategy into overall business planning and forecasting, it is absolutely possible to control and mitigate the elements of currency uncertainty that every industry is fighting against to protect your business in some of the greatest uncertainty seen in nearly half a century. Good governance of foreign exchange risk really has never been more important, or more accessible.”